By SANDY DOUCET
Barrhead Leader Staff
WOODLANDS COUNTY – At the Woodlands County Council meeting on July 16 John Orwa from County administration presented the second quarter report for Corporate Services.
“Corporate Services’ prime focus was the collection of taxes, and by the end of June, it achieved 93 per cent collection, excluding TIPP payment plans, on the finance side,” said Orwa.
Three candidates for fall election so far
Three candidates have submitted their intent for the upcoming election to Woodlands County Council on Oct. 20.
The last day for nominations for the election candidates is Sept. 22.
Information/privacy training
The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) was replaced on June 11 with the Access to Information Act (ATIA) and the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA).
Ongoing training of these Acts is happening with the Woodlands County staff members.
New staff members
The GIS Coordinator started on July 14, and the new Asset Management Coordinator will start on July 28.
A new Legislative and Communication Coordinator was also hired, while an Executive Assistant and a Communications Assistant will be hired in the third quarter.
Flood claims
There have been two 2023 flood-related claims submitted to the province.
Admin matters
Interdepartmental efficiencies have been initiated with discussions on streamlining processes between Corporate Services and the Corporate Asset department.
A new finance software system is being implemented with the uploading of the chart of accounts, which is the next step to achieving data migration from the old software system.
Policies are being reviewed and revised in the new Woodlands County format.
Bylaws were passed throughout the second quarter, including the Council Committee Bylaw, Procedure Bylaw, Property Tax Rate Bylaw, Amending Committees of Council Bylaw, Tax Penalty Bylaw, and Agricultural Services Board Bylaw.
